Chapter 53: Movement, Part One

Chapter 53: Movement (Part 1)

“How much can the Japanese offer?”

Although Xu Ruiyang knew that pig bristles were highly valuable and a strategic material fiercely contested by many nations, he was not entirely clear on the specifics.

“At least 2,600 yuan, maybe even 2,800 if the quality is good. Over at Port City, they pay 2,900 yuan. They said if it’s in US dollars, they can pay at a 1:5 exchange rate,” Xue Fengcai explained.

At a 1:5 exchange rate between US dollars and Fabi currency, 2,800 Fabi equals 560 US dollars. It’s important to note that this is the 29th year of the Republic, and Fabi was issued at the end of the 24th year, so it had only depreciated moderately in these four years.

“I’ll find the buyer. You take the Lingnan Company’s transport certificate and help move the goods to the Special Services Department’s warehouse. By the time you arrive, the buyer’s payment should be ready!” Xu Ruiyang said.

He definitely wouldn’t sell to the Japanese—it would be outright treason. He planned to sell to the Americans, who had deep pockets and were swift in transactions. This would also strengthen their relationship.

The Special Services Department was newly established, and Hongyuan Trading Company hadn’t even opened yet. The Japanese hadn’t caught on and weren’t paying close attention, so this was a golden opportunity to make money!

“One hundred dan of pig bristles from the Southwest? Fine, I want them all. I’ll pay 660 dollars per dan, cash on delivery. I’ll send someone immediately to pick up the goods. If you come across such strategic materials in the future, just collect them; money’s no problem,” Gavin agreed immediately upon receiving the call.

The US government was not only purchasing massive quantities from the Mountain City government but also acquiring scattered goods through other channels. The US military’s demand was immense—whatever was available, they would take. Strategic materials couldn’t be measured by money alone.

The entire deal took just over two hours and went smoothly. Xu Ruiyang was satisfied, the client was pleased, and Xue Fengcai was even more delighted.

Using 560 dollars as the base price, 440 dollars had to be paid to the client. Xu Ruiyang’s quote to Xue Fengcai was a profit of 120 dollars. Xue earned twenty percent per dan, which amounted to 24 dollars. Just from this one transaction, his share was 2,400 dollars.

Meanwhile, the remaining 96 dollars per dan, plus an extra 100 dollars from the Americans, nearly 20,000 dollars in total, all went into the hands of the section chief.

However, the Mountain City government strictly inspected pig bristles, making smuggling such a large amount quite difficult. Opportunities like this were rare.

Chapter 53: Movement (Part 2)

“Remember, only you, me, Heaven, and Earth know this. No word may leak to a third party. If any rumors are heard, you know the consequences!” Xu Ruiyang warned.

“Chief, rest assured. You’re my boss and my lucky star. I wouldn’t even tell my wife about this. In the future, I think we should get some gold—that’s even better than dollars,” Xue Fengcai said, bowing respectfully. The money had gone to his head.

The Japanese army had implemented a blockade against the Nationalist-controlled areas. Goods leaving Shanghai faced strict inspections by the military police, but shipments for the intelligence agency were exempt.

Half a month passed quickly.

Xu Ruiyang was a man who didn’t discriminate when it came to profit—big or small, he took it all. After half a month, he had made a name for himself in Shanghai’s smuggling circles, with many buyers approaching him. Though scattered, the earnings added up to a substantial sum.

High-value goods were sold to Americans, while bulky, low-value items went to the Japanese. He had to give Qingqi Qingyin an explanation: the special pass wasn’t for conducting business with the Americans alone.

During wartime, as long as there were goods and transport channels, it was equivalent to collecting money at home. But this money was used to build networks. Most had to be distributed, with a portion reserved for organizational expenses. Very little actually remained in his hands, though he was far from poor.

“Spring breeze nurtures the rain!”

Just as Xu Ruiyang was about to sleep, he received a call. The other party opened with four words.

“Silent nourishment!” Xu Ruiyang replied.

This was the code phrase from the Military Intelligence Bureau, signaling that their agents were coming to make contact.

“Cut through the thorns!” the other person said.

“Loyalty and bravery!” Xu Ruiyang responded.

“The radio and funds are at the northwest corner of your house. No direct line for now. Use the radio to contact headquarters—someone will be on duty 24 hours. I’m off!” the voice said.

Chapter 53: Movement (Part 3)

Xu Ruiyang went to the backyard and found two black leather cases at the northwest corner of the wall. They were heavy to carry. Back in his study, he opened them to find two radios, a cipher book, 2,000 Fabi in funds, and 10,000 dollars in cash—an award from President Chiang.

The next day, after receiving the radios, Feng Qidong arranged for the delivery of ginseng, deer antlers, and mink pelts to Shanghai. First to the police station, then to the Special Services Department.

With these items in hand, Xu Ruiyang immediately began gift-giving to build relationships. Ginseng and deer antlers for men, mink pelts for women. These were rare specialties from the northern regions, and those who knew their value could appreciate their worth.

Even Japanese female spies couldn’t resist mink pelts. Nan Zouyunzi was very fond of the package Xu Ruiyang gave her, her charming smile dizzying to behold. It seemed even the enemy had a love for beauty.

“Thank you for your precious gift, Mr. Xu. I have business today, but tomorrow evening, please allow me to invite you to dinner as thanks. Seven o’clock at Wang Baohe Restaurant. I hope you can honor us with your presence!” Nan Zouyunzi said with a smile.

Wang Baohe was a famous Shanghai restaurant, established in the Qing Dynasty and renowned for hairy crabs and aged wine for over a century. It had relocated to Sima Road in the 25th year of the Republic.

“I am honored by your invitation, Miss Yunzi. I will be there promptly!” Xu Ruiyang replied.

Meanwhile, Gang Cun Shisan was very satisfied with the two wild ginseng roots, a bag of deer antlers, and the 1,000 dollars, planning to send these precious tonics back to his home in Japan.

“Mr. Xu, thank you very much. This is not a small amount. I heard that since you established the Special Services Department, you have received care from Major Qingqi, and opened a trading company in Shanghai. Business seems to be going well!” Gang Cun Shisan bowed first, then smiled broadly.

There was no hiding the Hongyuan Trading Company from the chief of the Special Higher Police, but he didn’t mind. If you don’t give those who pledge allegiance to the empire some benefits, why would they serve it loyally?

“I’m just relying on imperial support, using smugglers from the Nationalist-controlled areas to earn some margin. The goal is to subsidize the Special Services Department’s expenses. The new agency has many financial needs,” Xu Ruiyang said.

“If you encounter any trouble when transporting goods, just call me. I’ll help you coordinate with the military police. Even if you don’t do it, the money will still reach those smugglers. It’s better to use it to subsidize the Special Services Department,” Gang Cun Shisan nodded.

(End of chapter)